We’re finally on the home stretch and I’m talking about our trip to Walk Disney World: Hollywood Studios. It is home to one of our favorite rides in all of Disney. We also sang with Anna & Elsa, Drew got to fight Darth Vader on stage, and yours truly was picked to participate in the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. So, so fun!
Links to Previous Disney Posts
Thoughts & Logistics from First-Timers
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Animal Kingdom
We visited this park twice during our four days in Orlando. One day, we were able to enter at 8am because of the Magic Hours. This is also the morning Drew was able to get into the Jedi Training Academy (more on this further down the post).
Ride Recap and Fast Pass
The Great Movie Ride: Easy ride, Steve and I probably liked this more than the kids. Longer ride.
Star Tours: We used a Fast Pass for this, but the lines were not long when we got to the park first thing. This ride is a simulation ride that might cause a little dizziness. We all liked it, but once was enough.
Muppet Vision 3D: None of us thought this was that great. Would skip if we ever went again.
Frozen Sing Along
We used a Fast Pass for this. It doesn’t get you better seats, it just ensures you will get a seat for the designated time you chose. We were able to sit in the middle of the theater and got there about 20 minutes before the show started. Everyone in the family loved this, including Drew, but don’t tell him I told you! This is not what we expected at all. The sing along is not only that, but it’s pretty much a comedy show of the retelling of the story. Two super funny and charming actors lead this 30 minute show and it had us all laughing the whole time – highly recommend!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure: This is basically a huge playground for kids. We stopped off here for a little break for about 15 minutes. Kids enjoyed it!
Toy Story Mania: This was collectively one of our favorite rides at Disney! It’s a shoot ’em game and it’s perfect for all ages. One of the longest lines at Disney, so definitely use a Fast Pass. This one we wanted to ride again, but didn’t want to wait the 70 minutes.
Rock n Roller Coaster: Did not ride, thought it was too much.
Tower of Terror: Did not ride. My husband works in the elevator industry, so this was sort of bad of us for not ricing! Mom was scared too!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
This was particularly fun because I was chosen to be one of the “extras” from the audience. The kids just thought this was so hilarious. This is good action, it’s covered for shade, and it’s a good time to grab a seat for a break. Highly recommend! We got to the show about 20 minutes early and stood in line to make sure we got a seat for that show. I was chosen to be a “shopper” in the market.
I’m pretty sure I was chosen because I had a bright outfit on and stood up and waved my hand when they asked for volunteers!
Jedi Training Academy
I’m so happy Drew was able to participate in this. We had heard that you have to be at the park when it first opens and basically run to get a spot in line to get your name in to do this. Magic hours were happening the day we did this, and the park opened at 8am. We got in line around 7:30 and were pretty close to the front.
Steve and Drew had planned to run together (your son/daughter must be with you to register) and Kate and I would meet up with them. Running is discouraged at the parks, but I think they hauled it to the line and got the first time slot. They have several time slots throughout the day that they fill depending on when you get there. We wanted the first time slot because we weren’t sure how long we would be at Hollywood Studios that day. I think they took 15 kids per time slot the day we were there.
The kids basically get to go on stage and have a light saber fight with Darth Vader. Drew was in heaven and the costumes and the actors are legit. This is definitely worth doing.
Each child that participates gets a turn with the characters and they put on a short little show and the kids get a diploma for completing Jedi Training. A definite highlight for Drew on the trip!
Eating at Hollywood Studios
As mentioned in some of the other posts, we didn’t do a lot of stopping to sit down and eat at the restaurants. We did eat at a little pizza place while there and breakfast one day. There is a Starbucks as a fall back.
Characters
We saw several characters during our short time at Hollywood Studios. The lines were not very long!
We had heard so many different things about all the parks before we went. I’m so glad we did all of the parks and got a feel for what we wanted to do and didn’t want to do. Four days at the parks gave us plenty of time to do and see everything we wanted to. We didn’t leave Disney and felt like we missed anything, which is exactly what I had hoped for. Now, if we ever go back, we can pick and choose what we really want to do again.
It was a wonderful first time experience at Walk Disney World with our kids. We still talk about it all the time. I know they are memories that will last a lifetime. I’m convinced that traveling with your kids and family brings you closer than when you left, and for that, I am truly grateful. XO